2024 NFL Mock Draft: B/R NFL Scouting Dept.'s Post-Regular-Season Picks
While 14 NFL teams remain in contention for Super Bowl LVIII, the other 18 teams have officially entered the offseason. It's time for them to move on and address why they fell short of competing for a championship.
The 2024 NFL draft will serve as the engine to make change, starting with the Chicago Bears, which own the No. 1 overall pick thanks to last year's Bryce Young trade. They must decide whether they're going to stand pat with Justin Fields behind center and possibly trade down or trade him and take a quarterback at No. 1.
The Bears' choice will start a cascading effect throughout the rest of the draft.
Bleacher Report's Scouting Department of Brandon Thorn, Brent Sobleski, Cory Giddings, Derrik Klassen and Matt Holder pieced together their latest mock draft based on what's been seen to date and what should happen as the playoffs and draft process proceed.
Unsurprisingly, it starts with a quarterback.
1. Chicago Bears (from Carolina): QB Drake Maye, North Carolina
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As soon as the Carolina Panthers secured the No. 1 overall pick for the Chicago Bears, Justin Fields went on the clock. The Bears must now decide whether to pick up the fifth-year option on his rookie contract or swap him out for another quarterback.
If they stick with the 24-year-old, they'll have to consider signing him to a long-term deal. His growth has been sporadic, particularly as a passer, but Chicago hasn't always placed him in a position to succeed.
Here, B/R's scouts opted to make a change under center with North Carolina's Drake Maye, who carries the same grade (9.3) as Fields did in 2021. But the Bears would have him on a rookie contract for three more seasons than they would with the Ohio State product.
"It probably makes sense for the Bears to just reset the clock with the No. 1 pick," Klassen said. "If they do, Drake Maye has to be the pick. Maye brings prototypical size (6'4", 230 lbs), arm talent, and athleticism.
"As a passer, Maye is on the chaotic and aggressive side. But he has a fearlessness both in and out of the pocket that is hard to come by. Maye is also accurate to all three levels and shows great rhythm within the offense, which the Bears have been missing with Fields at the helm."
2. Washington Commanders: QB Caleb Williams, USC
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The Washington Commanders tried to bench second-year quarterback Sam Howell. But veteran backup Jacoby Brissett suffered a hamstring injury, which forced the 23-year-old back into the starting lineup.
Either way, the intention was clear. The Commanders gave Howell a shot to secure the job this season, and he failed to do so.
The organization, which may be heading toward a massive reset this offseason, must now address the game's most important position.
The silver lining to another underwhelming campaign is that Washington worked its way toward the top of the 2024 draft order. It is now in position to grab a top-shelf quarterback prospect and finally build around a premium talent in Caleb Williams.
"The Commanders have to start over at quarterback, and Williams is the best option with Drake Maye already off the board," Klassen said. "Williams can be a frustrating prospect at times between his freestyle passing process and inconsistent pocket management. But his athletic ability and S-tier arm talent are undeniable.
"Williams at the helm (possibly working alongside a new coaching staff) provides Washington with actual hope it can compete in the NFC East after seven straight seasons without a winning record."
3. New England Patriots: OT Joe Alt, Notre Dame
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The first thought regarding this selection went something like this: "Notre Dame's Joe Alt is a New England Patriots draft pick all day long."
However, the football world will be waiting to see if Bill Belichick remains the team's head coach and de facto general manager. The "Patriot Way" may be changing.
While that decision hangs in the balance, the Patriots could do far worse than selecting Alt with the third overall pick. After all, the unanimous All-American graded higher than any Power Five offensive tackle this past season, according to Pro Football Focus.
"As the Patriots enter a potentially new era in 2024, Alt could serve as a key building block for the future," Thorn said. "The Patriots are likely moving on from Trent Brown this offseason, have questions at right tackle and virtually no depth, making a highly drafted tackle a priority. Enter a supercharged version of former Pats longtime starter Nate Solder in Alt.
"At 6'8" and 322 pounds with excellent athletic ability, Alt is the most polished and refined blocker in this class at just 20 years old."
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4. Arizona Cardinals: WR Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State
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The Arizona Cardinals' 2023 season basically went about as expected. With quarterback Kyler Murray on the mend from a torn ACL, this year served as an evaluation period, which explains why the team led the league in snaps from rookie players.
Murray's long-term status with the franchise was also a key component. His recovery from the injury and subsequent play upon his return helped answer whether the Cardinals can continue to build around the 2019 No. 1 overall draft pick.
According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Cardinals "are moving forward" with Murray, "which does allow them to build around him in the draft." They could kick-start that by selecting Marvin Harrison Jr., the best wide receiver prospect since Calvin Johnson.
"Arizona is in a perfect spot to take the best player on the board," Klassen said. "Ohio State's Marvin Harrison Jr. is that player by a country mile. He isn't the best yards-after-the-catch threat. Other than that slight knock, he's a nearly perfect wide receiver prospect.
"Harrison's route-running for a 6'4" target is as crisp and explosive as can be, and he has some of the best ball skills you'll ever see from a prospect. The Heisman Trophy finalist is an instant 120-plus-target receiver the day he joins an NFL team."
5. Los Angeles Chargers: TE Brock Bowers, Georgia
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The Los Angeles Chargers fired general manager Tom Telesco and head coach Brandon Staley in mid-December. A new direction is coming.
Exactly who will lead the way and the team's overall direction remain unclear. The easiest choice at this particular selection is simply adding the best overall talent.
Georgia's Brock Bowers fits the bill as the B/R NFL Scouting Department's No. 2 overall prospect. He is, arguably, the greatest tight end prospect of all time.
"If the Chargers can't fix their right tackle situation at No. 6, juicing up the offense with some youth and yards-after-the-catch ability is the way to go," Klassen said. "Bowers provides a unique avenue to do so through the tight end position.
"The two-time John Mackey Award winner is a little undersized at a listed 240 pounds for a prototypical Y tight end, but his athleticism is off the charts. He is fast, explosive, agile and balanced all at once. He is the ultimate YAC threat with more than enough ball skills to do your standard tight end stuff."
The Chargers could lose current tight ends Gerald Everett and Nick Vannett in free agency, which would make the position more of a priority for them in the draft.
6. New York Giants: OT Olumuyiwa Fashanu, Penn State
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Olumuyiwa Fashanu is a natural left tackle, and the New York Giants already have Andrew Thomas in place. If they select the Penn State product, they'd effectively be giving up on Evan Neal at right tackle.
But the Giants' offensive line has played poorly as a whole over the last two seasons. The addition of another elite talent such as Fashanu should help solidify the entire group.
"Fashanu kicks over to the right side in this scenario just a few years after the team selected Neal in the top 10, forcing him to bump inside in an attempt to salvage his career," Thorn said. "Fashanu is a more natural pass-protector with better athletic ability than Neal, plus he could team up with Neal to form a potentially formidable duo on the right side, improving two positions at once."
It's worth noting that Neal began his collegiate career at left guard before bumping out to right tackle and then flipping to left tackle.
Add 2023 second-round center John Michael Schmitz into the mix, and New York couldn't field a more naturally talented group.
7. Tennessee Titans: OT JC Latham, Alabama
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The Tennessee Titans entered the 2023 season with the NFL's worst offensive line. It should come as no surprise if they spend the No. 7 overall pick on a talented blocker.
However, taking Alabama's JC Latham here might be seen as a slight reach.
"Tennessee would likely love to select either Joe Alt or Olu Fashanu with this pick to reset the position group," Thorn said. "But it should be fine getting Alabama's JC Latham here since he has the most play strength of any blocker in the class.
"Add a 6'6", 360-pound frame with a bully mentality to impose his will and dish out impact blocks in the run game, and Tennessee will have a much-needed culture shift on an otherwise physically underwhelming line. Also, Latham is only 20 years old, which gives him the runway to improve over the duration of his rookie contract."
As long as Mike Vrabel remains head coach, the Titans still figure to be a physical team next season even if star running back Derrick Henry leaves in free agency. However, it's difficult to impose that approach without the blockers to do so.
The combination of Latham and Peter Skoronski would be a strong starting point for the Titans' offensive line.
8. Atlanta Falcons: Edge Jared Verse, Florida State
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Could the Atlanta Falcons possibly pass on another quarterback prospect in the draft even after Desmond Ridder failed to secure the long-term job this season? That depends on what they do ahead of time.
Atlanta should absolutely pursue Justin Fields if the Chicago Bears decide to move on from him, as they clearly did in this mock draft. That would allow the Falcons to address other roster concerns in the draft.
Beyond their issues under center, the Falcons are among the bottom half of the league in sacks. They don't have a consistent presence working off the edge, and Bud Dupree is a free agent after this season.
Enter B/R's Edge1 in Jared Verse, who could create an instant impact in Atlanta.
"Verse's physicality and strength at the point of attack are his calling cards," Holder said. "These traits help him win with power as a pass-rusher and be a plus run defender.
"He also has a wide pass-rush arsenal, showing a few finesse moves that he can win with, which is why the former Seminole is our top edge defender."
9. Chicago Bears: WR Malik Nabers, LSU
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The Chicago Bears already reset at quarterback with the No. 1 overall pick. They can now complement their new signal-caller by giving wide receiver DJ Moore a legitimate running mate in LSU's Malik Nabers.
"Trading for Moore last offseason gave the Bears' receiving corps a degree of stability that it previously lacked," Klassen said. "Adding Nabers would serve an explosive shot in the arm to ignite a new era of Chicago's offense.
"The nation's leading receiver is a sharp, capable route-runner with reliable hands. He is defined by his yards-after-the-catch ability, though. Nabers is as fast and explosive as they come, and he understands how to turn himself into a runner instantly."
No other wide receiver on Chicago's roster managed even one-third of Moore's production this season. Whether it's Fields or a draft pick leading the way (Drake Maye in this scenario), more talent out wide is a necessity to make the Bears offense far more dynamic.
LSU's all-time leading receiver may not even need much time to surpass Moore as the Bears' top target.
10. New York Jets: OT Amarius Mims, Georgia
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Georgia offensive tackle Amarius Mims is the 28th-ranked player on the B/R NFL Scouting Department's latest big board. However, the New York Jets might be tempted to gamble on his long-term potential at No. 10.
"We rarely see four tackles drafted inside the top 10, but Mims possesses such obvious and special physical talent that he makes it a worthwhile gamble despite having only seven career starts," Thorn said. "The Jets are also in desperate need of a tackle for the future with no obvious starter on the roster unless they want to play Alijah Vera-Tucker out of position at right tackle rather than have an All-Pro guard.
"Mims would give the Jets an ultra-talented right side for the future, which could serve as building block if (when?) Aaron Rodgers returns next year."
The conversation about what to do at No. 10 would drastically change if Rodgers decides to retire. Until he does, the Jets' approach is all about building around a 40-year-old quarterback coming off a torn Achilles tendon.
11. Minnesota Vikings: QB Jayden Daniels, LSU
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No prospect improved his draft status this year more than LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels. The reigning Heisman Trophy winner showed a different level of composure, poise in the pocket and efficiency this past season.
The 23-year-old benefited from better protection, two first-round wide receivers on his flanks and an investment in virtual quarterback simulation. All of it led to the fifth-year senior exploding for 4,946 total yards and 50 total touchdowns.
"Daniels is a unique prospect," Klassen said. "He's often defined by his outstanding athleticism and penchant for chucking the ball deep. But Daniels presents far more than those two traits.
"The consensus All-American is a tough pocket manager with a veteran-like sense for running the offense. He could still stand to be a tick faster at times, although he understands how to play within the system and find answers beyond his first read."
The Minnesota Vikings are finally positioned to move beyond Kirk Cousins, who enters free agency after suffering a season-ending torn Achilles. Clearly, the likes of Josh Dobbs and Nick Mullens didn't prove themselves to be the answer behind center.
Daniels is an exciting option for Kevin O'Connell's scheme, with Justin Jefferson finally getting to play with a dynamic quarterback.
12. Denver Broncos: QB Michael Penix Jr., Washington
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The Denver Broncos appear ready to move on from Russell Wilson. If that's the case, they should release the veteran quarterback with a post-June 1 designation to ensure they aren't paying more than expected for him going into the 2024 season.
To offset Wilson's $35.4 million dead salary-cap charge, investing in a rookie signal-caller would be the smartest path forward for Denver. However, head coach Sean Payton almost certainly doesn't want to start over from scratch with a first-year QB who can't handle his offense.
Washington's Michael Penix Jr. would provide a solid middle ground as he continues to ascend draft boards.
"Payton wants to throw the ball around the yard," Klassen said. "At this point in the draft, Penix is his best bet.
"Though Penix's rookie age (24), medical history and throwing mechanics are concerns, his arm talent and willingness to chuck the ball down the field are undeniable. Penix will need to show more ability to attack between the numbers to grow into a star quarterback, but his arm talent and fearless mindset are great starting points."
13. Las Vegas Raiders: WR Rome Odunze, Washington
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The Las Vegas Raiders are in a holding pattern, but they shouldn't be for long.
Interim head coach Antonio Pierce placed an exclamation point on the season with an impressive victory over the rival Denver Broncos.
Since Pierce took the reins on Oct. 31, the Raiders have featured the league's best scoring defense and managed a winning record (5-4). Owner Mark Davis doesn't need to look any further for the right person to lead the organization.
But some changes should still be expected, particularly on offense.
Quarterback remains unsettled. Veteran wide receiver Davante Adams may be traded. Others brought in by former head coach Josh McDaniels, such as wide receiver Jakobi Meyers, may not be long-term fits in Sin City.
Instead, the Raiders can reset and bring in an elite talent like Washington's Rome Odunze.
"Odunze is a vertical ball-winner first and foremost, but there's so much more to his game," Klassen said. "The two-time first-team All-Pac-12 selection is a smart, natural route-runner who understands how to make himself friendly to the quarterback. He can play inside and out, and he has enough burst and flexibility to be used as more than just a ball-winner down the field."
14. New Orleans Saints: OT Tyler Guyton, Oklahoma
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The New Orleans Saints are in position to address a spot on the roster they thought they had settled for years to come. Unfortunately, offensive tackle isn't as sturdy as they hoped it would be.
"The Saints have typically nailed their draft picks along the offensive line, but they're coming off a potential miss in 2022 first-round pick Trevor Penning," Thorn said. "Right tackle Ryan Ramczyk is one of the team's best players. Unfortunately, a lingering knee issue has put his career in jeopardy, which makes the tackle position a sudden and immediate priority to address.
"Oklahoma's Tyler Guyton has elite size (6'7", 328 lbs) and athletic ability, but he's similarly raw, so this would carry some risk. The bet is on upside, which Guyton absolutely provides with better feet and more natural movement skills in pass protection than Penning. That could provide enough comfort for the team to come back to the tackle table so quickly."
Expectations for an impressive predraft process are baked into Guyton's rise here. He's a work in progress, but he has the necessary traits to become an elite blocker down the road.
15. Indianapolis Colts: Edge Laiatu Latu, UCLA
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The Indianapolis Colts exceeded expectations during Shane Steichen's first season as head coach, but his squad came up short when it mattered the most.
Technically, the Colts finished fifth in sacks this past season, but they lack an elite pass-rusher who can consistently win off the edge. Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud stood tall in the pocket and extended plays for his team to claim a playoff berth.
Kwity Paye, Dayo Odeyingbo and Samson Ebukam are all solid players, but they're not difference-makers. UCLA's Laiatu Latu has the potential to be an NFL standout.
The 23-year-old is the most polished pass-rusher among the incoming crop, with 23.5 combined sacks and 34 tackles for loss over the last two seasons.
"A pass-rush technician is the best way to describe Latu," Holder said. "He has active hands and fluid hips to win around the edge and a variety of ways. He's also effective when turning speed into power as a complete pass-rusher."
With Gus Bradley as the defensive coordinator, his defensive line is expected to win its matchups and create pressure without heavy blitz packages. Another talented defensive lineman will only make the group more effective.
16. Seattle Seahawks: IOL Troy Fautanu, Washington
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The Seattle Seahawks absolutely crushed the 2022 draft. Among other great picks, they took left tackle Charles Cross at No. 9 overall and future starting right tackle Abraham Lucas in the third round.
The bookends immediately provided stability to the entire Seahawks offense, although they aren't enough to entirely compensate for an inferior trio between the tackles.
"The Seahawks had to win largely in spite of their offensive line in pass protection this season, partially due to injuries but also a shaky interior trio that feature solid run-blockers rather than pass-protectors in an offense looking to focus on the latter," Thorn said. "Washington's Troy Fautanu is B/R's top-ranked guard prospect, and he could slide to tackle in a pinch, too.
"Fautanu is fresh off winning the Morris Trophy, which is given to the Pac-12's best offensive lineman. He has some similarities to former Seahawks standout guard Mike Iupati in terms of length and natural power in the run game, but he has even better feet as a pass-protector, which gives him Pro Bowl upside."
The plan would be to place Fautanu at guard next to Cross on the left side since Damien Lewis is a pending free agent.
17. Jacksonville Jaguars: Edge Dallas Turner, Alabama
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The Jacksonville Jaguars have something special in Josh Allen as long as they retain him this offseason. The linebacker set the franchise's single-season sack record this year, and he could easily surpass Tony Brackens as its all-time leader in sacks next season if he stays in Duval.
Travon Walker's continued development is extremely promising as well.
The Jaguars seemingly want to build around quarterback Trevor Lawrence and their defensive front. Another pass-rusher with a different skill set would allow the organization to become what it envisions.
Alabama's Dallas Turner has the type of traits as a pass-rusher that K'Lavon Chaisson never did. Turner was a 5-star recruit who finally came out from the long shadow of Will Anderson Jr. this season on his way to becoming the SEC Defensive Player of the Year.
"Turner is still learning how to use his hands as a pass-rusher, but his athleticism and bend give him a high ceiling in the NFL," Holder said. "He's also shown decent strength to win with power, making the Alabama product an intriguing prospect for a team that's looking for some edge pressure."
Turner could enter the Jaguars lineup immediately as a pass-rush specialist opposite Allen, while Walker works over interior blockers.
18. Cincinnati Bengals: DL Jer'Zhan Newton, Illinois
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Trey Hendrickson has been an absolute terror working off the edge since the Cincinnati Bengals signed him as a free agent in 2021, and Sam Hubbard is a rock-solid bookend at defensive end.
However, the Bengals' defensive interior isn't nearly as effective, particularly when DJ Reader isn't healthy.
Reader is recovering from a season-ending torn quad tendon, and he's also a pending free agent. Even if the Bengals bring him back next season, he could use a partner to create havoc in opposing backfields.
Illinois' Jer'Zhan Newton is unique in the upcoming class, because he's a rare impact player from the defensive interior. The reigning Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year accumulated 22.5 tackles for loss and 13 sacks over the last two seasons.
"Newton is a disruptive interior defender," Holder said. "He has a quick get-off and pop in his hands to reset the line of scrimmage against the run to go with quick and active hands as a pass-rusher. The Illinois product lacks NFL size (6'2", 295 lbs), which will be difficult to overcome, but his tape is top-notch."
19. Green Bay Packers: OT Kingsley Suamataia, BYU
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It's difficult to imagine five-time All-Pro left tackle David Bakhtiari anywhere near the Green Bay Packers next season since he currently has a $40.5 million salary-cap charge for the 2024 campaign.
If the Packers cut Bakhtiari, they'd immediately save $21.4 million. They could also try to rework his current contract. Either way, they need to start looking for his eventual successor.
BYU's Kingsley Suamataia could be the answer at No. 19 overall.
"If Bakhtiari returns next season, the Packers could bring Suamataia along slowly," Thorn said. "He is a young, physically gifted prospect who improved seemingly each week this past season before declaring for the draft.
"He has all of the physical traits and pedigree of a long-time starting left tackle. He would benefit from going to a team with a decorated history of developing the position like the Packers."
If the Packers waive or trade Bakhtiari, they could also immediately put Suamataia, 20, in the starting lineup and endure his rookie growing pains.
The 6'6", 325-pound blocker needed time this past season to grow into his role as a blindside protector, but he was playing at a high level by the end of the year. The same could happen in Green Bay.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Edge Chop Robinson, Penn State
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With Baker Mayfield expected back at quarterback, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' front office can concentrate on supplementing the rest of the roster so the team can go from scraping by in the NFL's worst division to becoming an actual competitor again.
The Bucs' last Super Bowl victory came courtesy of a defensive front attacking Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs in waves. Tampa Bay has something in rookie YaYa Diaby, but Shaquil Barrett is entering the last year of his current deal and turns 32 next season, while Joe Tryon-Shoyinka hasn't quite developed as expected.
Penn State's Chop Robinson has an elite skill set that no one else on the Bucs roster does.
"Robinson's production is pretty underwhelming, but his traits stand out on film," Holder said. "He might have the best get-off in this draft class, and he should crush it at the NFL combine and/or Penn State's pro day.
"Whatever team drafts the early entrant will need to be patient, but it could pay off in the long run since Robinson's potential is through the roof."
The 21-year-old should fit in nicely as a rotational pass-rusher as he continues to mature in other areas of his game.
21. Arizona Cardinals (from Houston): WR Keon Coleman, Florida State
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The Arizona Cardinals already took Marvin Harrison Jr. with the No. 4 pick earlier. But with Keon Coleman still on the board here, that duo could provide an instant jolt to an offense that struggled to generate any consistency over the last two seasons.
Some may see this pick as overkill, but the Cardinals could immediately turn a weakness into a strength.
"Why not double-dip at wide receiver?" Klassen said. "The way Kyler Murray plays is conducive to having bigger, stronger bodies on the outside. Coleman checks all of those boxes, including an outstanding athletic profile, when the Cardinals' passing attack features the likes of Marquise Brown and Rondale Moore.
"While the Michigan State transfer didn't consistently produce the way everyone hoped at Florida State, he's still a gifted target. Coleman's blend of size (6'4", 215 lbs), ball skills, and foundational route-running chops for a player his size is tough to find."
Loading up at wideout may be the way to finally unleash Murray's potential.
22. Los Angeles Rams: CB Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alabama
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Los Angeles Rams general manager Les Snead has done an excellent job navigating the NFL draft despite continually trading away first-round picks in recent years. The team's current rookie class will go down as one of the best in the franchise's long history.
Second-round pick Steve Avila is a solid starter along the offensive interior. Third-rounders Kobie Turner and Byron Young are first and second, respectively, among rookie sacks leaders. And fifth-round wide receiver Puka Nacua set rookie records in catches and receiving yardage.
In April, the Rams will finally have a first-round pick for the first time since they took Jared Goff with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2016 class. They should use it to beef up their secondary since veteran cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon is a pending free agent and the unit finished among the league's bottom half in passing yards allowed.
Fortunately, L.A. gets a chance to land the class' top cornerback prospect in Alabama's Kool-Aid McKinstry.
"McKinstry is CB1 on B/R's draft board because he's a long corner with an excellent frame," Giddings said. "The first-team All-American provides scheme versatility to thrive in any coverage. He displays the ball skills to locate and play passes in the air, combined with a willingness to support the run."
23. Pittsburgh Steelers: CB Denzel Burke, Ohio State
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Despite quarterback turmoil throughout the season, the Pittsburgh Steelers somehow managed another winning record and playoff berth under Mike Tomlin's watch.
However, they're clearly deficient in certain areas and need major upgrades to compete at the standard their fanbase expects.
The Steelers secondary falls well short of the reputation their defense built over the past few decades. Pittsburgh will enter the postseason with the league's 17th-best pass defense.
Joey Porter Jr. has developed throughout the season to give the Steelers one building block at cornerback. But he desperately needs a bookend with Levi Wallace set to enter free agency and Patrick Peterson making the transition to safety.
Ohio State's Denzel Burke, who put together a strong final season on campus, could be the answer at No. 23.
"Burke is a twitchy cornerback with very good speed and movement skills," Giddings said. "The first-team All-Big Ten performer is a long-armed cornerback with the versatility to play multiple coverages and techniques. But he excels in man coverage, where he plays with good transitions and ball skills."
24. Miami Dolphins: IOL Taliese Fuaga, Oregon State
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Teams running Kyle Shanahan's scheme, as the Miami Dolphins do under head coach/offensive play-caller Mike McDaniel, understand the strength of the system is built around the play of its offensive line.
Dating back to the 1990s Denver Broncos, Shanahan teams traditionally didn't need to invest heavily in the position. Times have changed, though, as quality offensive-line options and depth are far scarcer today than ever.
The Dolphins' offensive interior could look drastically different depending on how free agency goes, which should put Oregon State right tackle Taliese Fuaga on their radar at No. 29.
"Miami's high-flying, big-play pass game is predicated off a successful run game, which has taken a hit late in seasons as injuries have piled up," Thorn said. "Fuaga is an impactful, skilled run-blocker who would kick inside to guard for the Dolphins, allowing them to let Robert Hunt go in free agency or potentially bring him back with Fuaga on the left side.
"Either way, the Dolphins need to solidify their offensive line to sustain their hot starts and reach their full potential as an offense. Fuaga has what it takes to be a key cog in this high-powered machine."
25. Philadelphia Eagles: S Kamren Kinchens, Miami
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The Philadelphia Eagles desperately need to shore up their defense. They surrendered over 50 more yards per game this season compared to last, and they quietly turned their defensive play-calling over to Matt Patricia late in the year.
The departure of former defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon and multiple starters after last year's run to the Super Bowl bears some of the blame, as does Father Time. The Eagles could use an infusion of talent at any of the three levels of their defense.
Miami's Kamren Kinchens is B/R's top-rated safety. He could immediately complement Kevin Byard while forcing Reed Blankenship out of the starting lineup.
"Kinchens brings the type of versatility to play in multiple schemes and coverages," Giddings said. "Furthermore, he plays with a blend of physicality to defend the run from multiple levels.
"The two-time first-team All-ACC defensive back has the skills to be an early starter or at least having a significant role in some team's defense at the onset of his career."
26. Kansas City Chiefs: WR Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State
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Rashee Rice is steadily developing into a primary target for the Kansas City Chiefs, but quarterback Patrick Mahomes requires more from his entire group of wide receivers.
Star tight end Travis Kelce, who turns 35 in October, may be starting to wind down, and the Chiefs need other pass-catchers to emerge as reliable options.
Ohio State's Emeka Egbuka could be a consistent threat for them, even if he isn't the most dynamic target.
"The Chiefs need a wide receiver who knows where to be and can catch the football," Klassen said. "It's that simple.
"While Egbuka may not be the flashiest receiver in the class, he's an exceptionally smart route-runner with the hands and toughness required to be a reliable force over the middle. Egbuka can give some stability to a passing offense desperately lacking it."
The 21-year-old could ultimately serve as Kelce's replacement since he'll work primarily from the slot and over the middle of the field. The Chiefs still need a true downfield threat, but the eventual transition and investments at wide receiver could pay off for Mahomes as the quarterback's career progresses.
27. Houston Texans (from Browns): DL Leonard Taylor III, Miami
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First-year head coach DeMeco Ryans has done a wonderful job providing the Houston Texans with long-term hope.
After the Texans went through years of directionless turmoil, Ryans and rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud—the likely NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year—turned them into a squad capable of competing against any opponent, even if the roster is far from finished.
Prior to his return to Houston, Ryans served as the San Francisco 49ers' defensive coordinator. He saw first-hand the importance of emphasizing the defensive front and how it affects games.
As a former NFL linebacker, it surely isn't lost on the coach how much a strong defensive interior helps everyone else. However, Sheldon Rankins is a pending free agent, and Houston could use a little more pop up front.
Miami's Leonard Taylor III would help in that regard.
"Taylor is one of the most athletic interior defenders in this draft class," Holder said. "He has an impressive get-off and really stands out as a pass-rusher. When the Miami product keeps his pads down, he can be a solid run defender as well, but that aspect of his game isn't nearly consistent enough right now."
28. Detroit Lions: Edge Bralen Trice, Washington
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Head coach Dan Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes have built the Detroit Lions into a legitimate contender by instilling a new culture.
After drifting through irrelevancy for decades, Detroit is now one of the league's best-run franchises, and the on-field product reflects the changes.
The type of prospect Detroit selects is important. Campbell and Co. search for physical, relentless and high-character types to bolster the roster.
There's no better example of that in this year's draft class than Washington edge-rusher Bralen Trice, who led the nation in quarterback pressures over the last two seasons, per Pro Football Focus.
"Physicality is what stands out the most about Trice," Holder said. "He's strong at the point of attack as a run defender and wins with power. While he isn't the most athletic edge-rusher and doesn't have the best bend, his physical nature and relentless motor are enough to be an intriguing late first-round pick, especially with the Lions searching for a bookend to Aidan Hutchinson."
Hutchinson is the franchise's centerpiece on defense. But he needs help, particularly since Romeo Okwara and Charles Harris are pending free agents.
29. Buffalo Bills: WR Brian Thomas Jr., LSU
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As long as Josh Allen remains behind center, the Buffalo Bills must accentuate his prodigious talent with the pieces capable of maximizing his offensive potential.
A consistent downfield threat would be a welcome addition.
"LSU's Brian Thomas Jr. can be what the Bills thought Gabe Davis was supposed to be...and more," Klassen said. "At his core, Thomas is a vertical presence. He's a tall (6'4"), explosive, fast receiver who excels at separating down the sideline and winning the ball down the field. There's a little more to Thomas as a route-runner, though, and he has the potential to blossom into a complete outside receiver."
To Klassen's points, LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels looked for Thomas as both a downfield and red-zone threat, which is why he led major college football with 17 touchdown receptions. He's a big target with good body control and traditional X receiver traits.
The Bills still have star wideout Stefon Diggs. But a second threat on the outside would make Allen and Co. even more difficult to defend, especially since Davis (an upcoming free agent) may not return to Buffalo next season.
30. Dallas Cowboys: IOL Jackson Powers-Johnson, Oregon
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The Dallas Cowboys are known for the glitz and glamour of being "America's Team," but their on-field product is at its absolute best when the down-and-dirty offensive linemen are their focal point.
The organization has been adept at mining offensive-line talent in the draft, as evidenced by current starters Tyron Smith, Zack Martin, Tyler Biadasz and Tyler Smith. It's time to revisit the well and make the unsexy selection of another offensive lineman in Oregon's Jackson Powers-Johnson.
"Biadasz has been an excellent developmental story for the Cowboys since becoming the starting center after the 2020 draft," Thorn said. "His career thus far has been a success despite a few rocky early seasons. But his ceiling is pretty well-defined at the 'solid' tier. Plus, he's set to become a free agent this offseason, which opens up the door for him to get a pay raise elsewhere.
"Comparatively, Powers-Johnson is a much more athletic, rangy center with far more upside. The reigning Rimington Trophy winner is coming off a dominant lone season as a starter. Dallas has, arguably, the best guard duo in the NFL, which would give Powers-Johnson an ideal setting to reach his considerable potential."
31. San Francisco 49ers: CB Khyree Jackson, Oregon
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The San Francisco 49ers' vaunted defense has been built around the play of their front seven.
Nick Bosa and Fred Warner are the stars. They've also made (or will make) significant investments in Javon Hargrave, Arik Armstead, Javon Kinlaw and Chase Young.
San Francisco hasn't paid the same amount of attention to its secondary. Each year, it has pieced together a group that is capable but far from featuring the same type of talent seen along the front end.
General manager John Lynch acquired some promising young secondary performers along the way, but San Francisco could continue to bolster its pass defense by bringing in a first-round talent at cornerback.
Oregon cornerback Khyree Jackson finally put his full game on display this past season after transferring from the Alabama Crimson Tide. As a result, the league's coaches recognized him with a first-team All-Pac-12 selection.
"Jackson is a big, physical defender with ball skills and a high ceiling," Giddings said. "He has excellent length (6'3') and a skill set that NFL teams want. He has the potential to be an impact player at the next level."
32. Baltimore Ravens: IOL Dominick Puni, Kansas
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Kansas left tackle Dominick Puni spent four years at Central Missouri before heading to the Jayhawks program.
The 6'5", 320-pound blocker took advantage of both stops to the point where he garnered a Senior Bowl invite for later this month.
The sixth-year senior could provide the Baltimore Ravens with an instant contributor considering their current starters on the right side, Kevin Zeitler and Morgan Moses, are 33 and 32, respectively.
"Baltimore has a history of taking 'unsexy,' practical players higher in the draft than conventional wisdom suggests, and Puni fits right in line with that," Thorn said. "He is an older prospect who took a winding road to get to this point. But he isn't just a try-hard sort of player who purely willed his way to being a legit prospect. The first-team All-Big 12 selection has a massive, thick frame with jarring power and the body control of someone much smaller.
"Baltimore has long-term questions at both guard spots, which gives Puni a path to one of them. He also has right tackle potential if Moses isn't on the roster next season, which means he could possibly fill multiple holes."
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